This Code of Conduct is to provide guidance to all Astronomicon convention members. It applies to all pre-con, at con, and post-con activities that are related to Astronomicon. All members are encouraged to read this Code and ask questions of anything that they do not understand. Membership has its privileges and its responsibilities.
The primary purpose of Astronomicon is for our members to have fun. To ensure that the greatest number of people do so, we have established certain rules of conduct. These rules are to ensure that the behavior of any one person, or small group, does not disturb the membership as a whole and does not detract from the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of the convention. Astronomicon welcomes all parties with an interest in science fiction, fantasy, horror, comics, anime, gaming, costuming, filking and any fannish activities not listed here.
The conventions committee or chairman reserves the right to deny or revoke the membership of any individual at any time for any reason. Astronomicon and the Rochester Fantasy Fans reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without prior or posted notice and reserves the sole right of interpretation. In any dispute, the general rule above will apply. If you have any questions, please contact the convention operations staff for assistance.
Anyone who accepts a membership agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Astronomicon, and the Rochester Fantasy Fans from any claim for personal injuries or other damages or equity arising out of any individual’s activities at Astronomicon, even if such injury or damage is caused by negligence by or on the part of Astronomicon or the Rochester Fantasy Fans.
Astronomicon 14 is prepared to deal with any violations of the code as legally, rapidly, and efficiently as possible. We hope that all members will help to make Astronomicon 14 an enjoyable experience for all, by respecting the rights of all attendees while in attendance. Astronomicon 14 reserves the right to revoke membership and eject any individual at any time from Astronomicon 14. No refunds will be provided. Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in:
- Mediation by the Convention Chair and Convention Committee talking to all parties involved in an incident.
- Verbal warnings.
- Turning the individual in to hotel/convention center staff/security.
- Revocation of membership and ejection from Astronomicon 14.
- Contacting local law enforcement.
PERSONAL INTERACTION: We ask that you respect others so that everyone is comfortable and feels safe while attending Astronomicon 13.
Harassment of others will not be tolerated and is a violation of the code of conduct.
If someone asks you to leave them alone or tells you no, you walk away, and you do not approach them again. There is no reason for you to have any further interaction with them.
Discrimination of any sort is not tolerated and is a violation of the code of conduct.
Discrimination is not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical / mental disability.
If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against:
a. Tell the individual that their behavior is inappropriate. Sometimes this is sufficient.
b. If you do not feel comfortable talking with the individuals involved, or if talking to them once does not work, please immediately report the situation to any Astronomicon 13 committee or staff member. If possible, provide a badge name or name and a physical description of the person or persons involved. The committee or staff member will notify Convention Operations and / or the Con Chairman.
PLEASE: Keep in mind that unless an incident is reported, nothing can be done.
REPORTING: If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. [Convention Committee or staff can be identified by/special ribbons.] Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.
When making a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we will ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we will handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You will not be asked to confront anyone, and we will not tell anyone who you are.
Our team will be happy to help you contact hotel/venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.
ENFORCEMENT: Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately
Dealers in the dealer’s room are also subject to the anti-harassment policy.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the Astronomicon committee and/or Chairman retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference [with no refund].
The convention committee or chairman may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too!
